Signature of letter of intent (LOI) between ADS and NEXTER at DSA 2016

Kuala Lumpur – Joseph Roukoz

To boost the Malaysian Army’s capability with local technical support in modern warfare demands a high degree of mobility and firepower. Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), in collaboration with NEXTER Systems of France is proposing the CEASAR 155mm 52 calibre self-propelled howitzer (SPH) system to fill the existing capability gap of the Malaysian Army, which needs a highly mobile artillery system capable of delivering immediate intended fire mission.

ADS, an existing member of the weapon working group of Malaysian Industry Council for Defence. Enforcement and Security (MIDES), will assemble the SPH system in Malaysia which will allow a certain degree of transfer of technology and know-how in high calibre weapon manufacturing.

Official sources say that this new and improved proposal from ADS is to supply the Malaysian Army with 20 units of 155 mm SPH including the required support vehicles. The SPH system will be assembled locally, in collaboration with NEXTER Systems.

ADS will be provided with the necessary skills and means for the establishment of an assembly plant which will be located in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan where the Asahan Firing Range is also located. NEXTER will carry out the transfer of technology to enable ADS to complete the integration of CAESAR SPH system locally and perform the required process up to the finished product.

The procurement of a SPH systems to boost the Malaysian Army’s firepower inventory has long been overdue, experts say. The CAESAR SPH system will not only provide the Malaysian Army with the required fire power but also system availability of 85% is guaranteed by ADS.

The CAESAR SPH system has also been ordered by the Royal Thai Army and the Indonisian Army.